Enhancing Results with E-Stim

In some cases, dry needling is combined with electrical stimulation (e-stim) to further enhance its therapeutic effects. Once the needles are inserted, a gentle electrical current is applied to stimulate the muscle tissue. This can:

• Increase blood flow and oxygenation to the area

• Promote deeper muscle relaxation

• Reduce pain sensitivity

• Accelerate tissue healing and recovery

E-stim is especially useful for chronic pain, stubborn trigger points, or when a more sustained muscle response is desired. The sensation is typically mild and well tolerated—often described as a gentle pulsing or tapping.

 

What You Might Feel During Treatment

Dry needling may provoke a brief muscle twitch response, often described as a cramping sensation. This is a positive sign that the technique is engaging the targeted tissue. Other sensations may include:

• Mild discomfort at the needle insertion site (needles are much finer than those used for injections or blood tests)

• A histamine-like response, similar to a mosquito bite

• Local warmth, itching, or heaviness—indications that the technique is working

• Referred discomfort away from the needle site

• Or, in some cases, no pain at all

 

Dry Needling vs. Acupuncture

While dry needling and acupuncture use identical needles, their philosophies differ. Dry needling is based on Western anatomical principles, whereas acupuncture follows traditional Chinese medicine and meridian theory.

 

Safety and Professional Standards

Dry needling is safe when performed by highly trained professionals. In Australia, Myotherapy is the only qualification where dry needling is a core component. Other professions, such as Physiotherapy and Osteopathy, may include dry needling as an elective, but it is not foundational to their training.

At Maitland Myotherapy & Sports Massage, we use only premium-grade, single-use sterile needles and follow strict hygiene protocols to ensure your safety.

 

Extensive Training and Qualifications

Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of learning from some of Australia’s most respected dry needling educators, including:

• Lily Chiu – MIMT Advanced Dry Needling

• Robert De Nardis – GEMt Level 1, 2 & 3 Advanced Dry Needling

• Ryan Kennedy – GEMt Level 1

• Drs Martin & Michael Ojea – GEMt Level 2 & 3

• Nathan McKeown – MIMT Advanced Dry Needling

• Shawn Brewster – ACE Advanced Dry Needling

• Wayne Mahmoud – CPD Intro & Advanced Dry Needling

 

With this extensive training, I bring a high level of expertise and confidence to dry needling practice. I am proud to be one of the most comprehensively trained dry needling therapists in the Hunter Valley.

 

Individualised Treatment Approach

We believe that no two bodies are the same. Dry needling is one of many tools we use to treat soft tissue dysfunction, and it is rarely applied during an initial consult/treatment and then only when appropriate to your unique treatment plan.

 

Aftercare: What to Expect

Post-treatment symptoms are typically mild and short-lived. These may include:

• Drowsiness or fatigue—avoid driving long distances or operating heavy machinery if affected

• Lightheadedness or nausea (rare)

• Temporary increase in pain before improvement

• Localised bruising

• Thirst—drink plenty of water to support recovery